Suspects sought in bar burglary

A view of one of the suspects in a burglary at the Tradesmen's Inn near Scenery Hill

The second suspect in the burglary at the Tradesmen's Inn near Scenery Hill

State police have released surveillance photographs of two men suspected of burglarizing the Tradesmen’s Inn, 1769 E. National Pike (Route 40), North Bethlehem Township, last month.

Police said that two men used bolt cutters about 4:04 a.m. Dec. 18 to cut a lock off the exterior kitchen door. The burglars then reportedly kicked in the door to enter the building.

They went to the office and kicked in that door. Once inside the office, they removed a metal storage box containing a .380-caliber handgun, money and various documents belonging to the owner of the restaurant.

The two burglars left the building four minutes later. They got into a white or silver mid-size sedan and fled west on Route 40.

Trooper Sarah Teagarden, who is investigating the burglary, said a neighbor reported hearing a noise, and when he investigated, he saw the car driving away and discovered the lock had been cut. He then called the owner of the business.

The bar and restaurant areas were not entered by the burglars. Teagarden said it appears the culprits may have been familiar with the layout of the business.

One burglar is white, heavy-set, with a beard and glasses. He wore blue jeans, a sweatshirt, gloves and a ball cap. The second burglar is also white and of average build. He wore a black half-mask covering the bottom of his face. He also wore blue jeans and a light-colored, hooded sweatshirt. He was seen on surveillance carrying a long, black case similar to that used to carry pool sticks.

Anyone with information on the burglary is asked to call state police at 724-223-5200.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.